4 Years After Masters Controversy, Vocal Tiger Woods Defended Lexi Thompson Amid 2017 Cheating Claims

In 2017, Lexi Thompson faced a heartbreaking setback at the ANA Inspiration tournament when she was penalized four strokes for incorrectly marking her ball, leading her to sign an inaccurate scorecard.

The incident, which occurred during the third round on the 17th hole, quickly became a lightning rod for debate in the golf world. Thompson’s initial lead turned into a runner-up finish, fueling controversy about the fairness of the penalty and the role of viewers in officiating professional sports.

Tiger Woods, who had his own experience with a similar penalty at the 2003 Masters, came to her defense on social media, criticizing the influence of remote viewers on the game. His support highlighted a shared frustration among players about the rigidity of some golf rules and the impact they can have on championship dreams.

Thompson, who was visibly shaken but determined, carried on and finished with a strong 14-under-par score despite the setback. This wasn’t the first time Woods had extended a guiding hand to her; later, when she struggled with hand tremors late in rounds, Woods suggested a simple dietary solution that proved effective.

He recommended peanut butter and banana sandwiches for sustained energy, and Thompson credits this tip with helping her stay steady under pressure. The incident and Woods’s involvement underscore ongoing debates in golf over rule enforcement, player well-being, and the need for changes that acknowledge the humanity of the athletes.